101 Virtues to apply to your life, Number Thirty Three.

 Let’s explore the book of virtues that George Washington copied at 14 and followed throughout his life. These virtues are based on Aristotle's writings but have been enhanced over the centuries. We can translate them into modern language and find practical ways to apply them.

Number Thirty-Three

They that are in dignity or in office have precedency in all places, but whilst they are young, they ought to respect those who are their equals in birth or other qualities, though they have no public charge.

This virtue balances respect for authority with humility and mutual recognition. Modern language means: "People in positions of power or leadership should generally take priority in social or professional settings. However, when they’re young or less experienced, they should still respect peers who are equal in status, talent, or other personal qualities, even if they don’t hold official roles."

What This Virtue Means Today

This is about navigating hierarchy and respect in a fair and grounded way. It suggests that rank or title matters, but it’s not the whole story—personal merit and mutual regard should also shape how we treat each other. It’s a call for humility in the powerful and a reminder that respect isn’t just a one-way street based on job titles.

Practical Application in Contemporary Life

In the Workplace

 A young team manager should take charge as their role demands but still listen to and value input from team members who might be their equals in skill or experience, even if those peers aren’t in leadership positions. For example, during a meeting, they might prioritize their own agenda but make space to acknowledge a seasoned colleague’s insights.

In Social Settings

Imagine someone recently promoted at work hanging out with friends who’ve known them forever. They might naturally lead the conversation because of their new confidence. However, they’d still defer to a friend’s expertise on picking a restaurant if that friend’s a foodie, showing respect for qualities outside their “official” status.

In Online Spaces

Someone with a big following or a verified badge on social media might get more attention. Still, if they’re new to a topic, they could practically apply this by engaging thoughtfully with lesser-known users with deep knowledge, crediting them rather than steamrolling the discussion.

It’s about knowing when to lean on your position and when to step back and honor what others bring to the table, regardless of titles. Keeps things human.